Museum Custodian

Department: Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
Classification: Custodian
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $18.06 - $22.84 per hour
FTE: 1.0

Review of Applications Begins

November 17, 2025; position open until filled

The University of Oregon’s art museum, located on Kalapuya Ilihi—the traditional Indigenous homeland of the Kalapuya people—opened its doors to the public in 1933. Designed by Ellis

F. Lawrence, then Dean of Architecture & Allied Arts at the University of Oregon, the museum was built to house the Murray Warner Collection of Asian Art—more than 3,700 works donated by Gertrude Bass Warner. After a major renovation and expansion, the museum reopened in 2005 at 70,000 square feet—twice its original size—as the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA). Over 20,000 square feet are dedicated to exhibitions and related programs serving both the university and the broader community.

The only academic art museum in Oregon accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art features engaging exhibitions, significant collections of historic and contemporary art, and dynamic educational programs that support the university’s academic mission and the diverse interests of its off‑campus communities. The collection includes more than 20,000 works of art across all media, with extensive holdings in Asian art (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean), Pacific Northwest art, Russian icons, European and American modern and contemporary art, and Latin American art.

Special exhibition galleries display works from the collection and on loan, representing many cultures of the world, past and present.

JSMA Mission Statement:
To foster global understandings of art and cultural histories by working with faculty, students, and communities to contribute to a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.

Vision:
We envision a world where art, artists, and cross‑cultural understandings are essential for a holistic education and a healthy society.

JSMA Values:

• Transformative learning through art and museums.
• Student, faculty, and public engagement with art.
• Scholarly excellence and innovation.
• Artists’ voices and creative insights.
• Diverse cultures, communities, and experiences.
• Equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Social justice, relevance, and accountability.
• Empathy, compassion, and well‑being.
• Meaningful collaborations and sustained relationships.
• Responsible collection stewardship and fiscal oversight.

This position supports the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art by maintaining safe, clean, and welcoming facilities for visitors, staff, and the university community. The role is responsible for cleaning and maintaining galleries, offices, restrooms, meeting spaces, and adjacent exterior areas, while taking special care in an environment that houses valuable and sensitive works of art. Duties include operating custodial equipment, performing basic routine maintenance, monitoring and replenishing supplies, and responding promptly to urgent cleaning needs.

The position also communicates effectively with staff to support daily museum operations and ensure a professional and visitor‑friendly environment.

This position reports to the Facilities and Security Administrator and works closely with the facilities maintenance and event planning coordinator and other museum staff. This position must pass UO/JSMA criminal background check.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience performing custodial, janitorial, or general labor work OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Ability to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision and good attention to detail.
• Ability to address cleaning needs observed without having to be told specifically.
• Knowledge of standard cleaning methods and procedures.
• Ability to learn specialized cleaning requirements for historical or sensitive items.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively…